Metal-organic polyhedra maintain the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells

Ran Wang, Yilin Qi, Jinjin Liu, Yang Li, Hongde An, Heping Wang, Jie Song, Wenzhuo Hu, Shaochun Wu, Leqian Yu, Yao Chen () and Xue Xue ()
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Ran Wang: Nankai University
Yilin Qi: Nankai University
Jinjin Liu: Tiangong University
Yang Li: Nankai University
Hongde An: Nankai University
Heping Wang: Nankai University
Jie Song: Nankai University
Wenzhuo Hu: Nankai University
Shaochun Wu: Nankai University
Leqian Yu: Institute of Zoology
Yao Chen: Nankai University
Xue Xue: Nankai University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are pluripotent, with the potential to differentiate into multiple cell types, making them a valuable tool for regenerative medicine and disease therapy. However, common culture methods face challenges, including strict operating procedures and high costs. Currently, Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an indispensable bioactive protein for ESC culture, is typically applied to maintain self-renewal and pluripotency, but its instability and high cost limit its effectiveness in stable culture conditions. Hence, we have developed an innovative strategy using a soluble nanomaterial, metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs), to effectively maintain the self-renewal and pluripotency of ESC. The selected amino-modified vanadium-based MOP not only exhibits excellent biocompatibility and high stability but also possesses similar or even superior biological functions compared to commercial LIF. Due to the precise structure of MOPs, the active site responsible for maintaining ESC pluripotency has been identified and regulated at the molecular level. The new ESC culture method significantly reduces costs, simplifies preparation, and enhances the practicality of biopharmaceutical preparation and storage. This represents the first case of using MOPs to maintain self-renewal of ECS, opening an avenue for introducing advanced materials into the development of innovative ESC culture methods.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63811-6

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